The Tate House a.k.a. Pink Palace: Exterior Photographic Journey
The Tate House, a.k.a. The Pink Palace, in Tate, Georgia has so much history and character that I had to give it a second look. I recently made a trek from Dallas (GA) to Dawsonville (GA) and it took me right past the Tate House. You will definitely do a double-take if you happen to be driving down Georgia state route 53 through Tate. There's no way that you can miss it. I'm talking about a huge, old mansion constructed of very rare pink Etowah marble and solid granite blocks!
I was told that the gardens on the left side of the home were created in an Italian theme and the gardens on the right side were created in an English theme. The Italian side, to me, looks more Greek than Italian but I'm no expert on either subject.
If you have the time (and a high speed connection), I invite you to take a look at my photos of the exterior of the Tate House. It is a truly unique home simply because the vein of Etowah marble from the quarry (on the property behind the home) is exhausted and there is no more to be mined anywhere on the planet.
This post is meant to be more of a photographic tour of the exterior of the home and the grounds surrounding it, rather than a written piece. The Tate House is privately owned now and when I knocked on the door, I was pleasantly greeted by a young lady. I told her that I simply wanted to take some photos of the house and she readily offered the exterior of the home and grounds for my photographic enjoyment. Good enough for me, although I had been hoping for an inside look, as well. That opportunity is reserved for patrons with large parties (e.g. weddings, reunions, corporate outings) that rent out most, or all, of the 9 exclusive cabins on the property during their stay.
I've left the photo tour in the same order as the pictures were taken as I walked around the mansion counter-clockwise, starting at the right side entrance. So imagine yourself in my footsteps as I look left and right, finding what is appealing, encircling the Tate property immediately adjacent to the house.
Click on an image to enlarge
There is an engraved excerpt on the open-air Grecian stoa from poet Dorothy Frances Blomfield Gurney's 1913 poem God's Garden which reads:
The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
Source:
Poets' Corner
Follow this link to read more about the history of the home from my first post about this extraordinary home.
See the Tate House decorated for Christmas.
I would like to thank the owners of The Tate House for allowing me the opportunity to take these photos and share them on the web. You may go to The Tate House website for reservations and information.
Jeannie,
Thanks for checking in with my site and I'm glad you enjoyed all of the photos so much.
Hopefully I will be getting my camera back from the repair shop soon so I can make a return trip to the Tate House.
YOUR PICTURES WERE BEAUTIFUL. I VISIT MY SISTERINLAW IN GEORGIA EVERY YEAR AND HAD THE CHANCE TO DRIVE BY AND SEE THE HOUSE AND IT TOOK MY BREATH AWAY. I CAN JUST IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE TO GROW UP THERE AND VIEW THE MOUNTAINS FROM MY BEDROOM WINDOW EVERY DAY OR SIT IN THE GARDEN AND SIP MY TEA WHILE ENJOYING THE VIEW FROM THE GARDEN. I ABSOKUTELY LOVE OLD HOUSES AND THIS ONE TAKES YOUR BREATHAWAY IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. I WISH I HAD STAYED THERE WHEN IT WAS A BED AND BREAKFAST BECAUSE NOW I'LL NEVER GET THE CHANCE. I WON'T BE THROUGH THERE THIS YEAR BUT I WILL BE WATCHING YOUR WEBSITE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES THAT YOU WILL BE POSTING WHEN YOU GET TO SEE THE INSIDE.
Jordan...
First and foremost...congratulations on your engagement. The wedding will be extra special because of your fiance's heritage and also because it is taking place in such a beautiful place in late spring. I know it will be a very special day.
Thanks for including my page on your wedding website. I am truly honored!
I have had a wonderful time reading your page! I will be getting married at the Tate House next May, to one of Col. Sam's descendant's actually, and we have used a link to your pictures for our wedding website. Thanks for taking beautiful pictures!
WOW!!! Thanks for the compliments, Scott!
Yes...I can't wait to visit the interior with a personal tour with Marsha. I must wait for a bit longer, though, due to my camera being in the shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Randy, Great to see your photos. I have loved the Tate House since childhood, for almost 50 years now!! I have been very fortunate to photograph many photos of the Tate House inside and out over the years. I consider it the Most Beautiful Place on Earth. I have been so fortunate to get to visit and tour the Tate House over the years and appreciate its beauty. Each time I visit I see something I didn't see the time before. Ms. Marsha, who now owns the home has done a remarkable job in bringing the home into the 21st Century with all the new up-grades and additions. Each time I visit Marsha has done another wonderful project or an addition to the Tate House. Thank goodness Marsha is there to keep re-inventing the Historic House.I can not fathom how much time and energy it takes to keep the Tate House going. A month ago I got a pre-view of the new Grand Ballroom and it is absolutely beautiful!! What a wonderful place for a Bride to have her picture perfect wedding. By viewing your photos I can see that you have a love for beauty and with the Tate House you have had the opportunity to view "The Best of The Best" when it comes to Beautiful Historic Places.One of the things that I love about the Tate House is the huge pieces of Rare Etowah Pink Marble that was used for the exterior of the house. The exterior pieces of marble are two feet thick and some are three feet or more in length. The original construction of the house exterior reminds me of a well planned giant puzzle of pink marble and white marble trim with each piece in the perfect place. No piece of marble is out of place. Thanks for posting your photos for others to enjoy. I Look forward to seeing your interior photos once you get to visit the inside of The Tate House. I remember the first time I walked inside the Tate House in the early ninteen eighties how breath taking it was to see such a beautiful place and such a perfect floor plan. Wide hallways, high ceilings, marble flooring, a fireplace in every room and a winding walnut staircase that is such a heavenly sight. It doesn't get any better that the Tate House when it comes to beauty. Even today when I get the opportunity to visit the Tate House I have my breath taken away each time by just entering the historic cut glass doors. It is always a magical moment to enter those wonderful doors. It is Simply the best!!! Just looking at your photos of the Tate House makes me anxious to go back up there for a visit. I always look forward to my next visit to the Tate House to learn and soak up more knowledge of such a historic place. Thanks again for the photos. I Look forward to seeing more of your photos. Scott Goswick
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I just drove by the Tate House today and wondered about the beautiful house I passed. I searched on Google to see if I could find out any information and your photos and site came up. I will look for your tour inside and the changes that were made to the property.I just love old homes and architecture.
Thanks again. Sara
Marsha,
Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. I'll be contacting you shortly to take you up on your offer for the inside/outside tour. I drove by the mansion Mother's Day weekend and saw some construction going on and I am, admittedly, very curious to see what is going on.
Thanks and I'll be in touch.
Hi Randy, I am the owner of the Tate House and enjoyed your pics and comments about the House. We are now completing a two year project of renovation on the House. The entire east wing was rebuilt due to water damage. We should be finished with our new 4000 sq ballroom the end of July and an extensive landscaping project. Please let me know if you will be in the area. I would love to give you a personal tour of the property - inside and out. Marsha Mann
Sherry...
If a home, like the Tate House, were built today it would be the perfect candidate to use a radiant floor heating system to keep a constant comfortable "core" temperature.
Glad you enjoyed the photos!
Lovely pictures! I have some very similar pictures, as well. My extended family lives near Tate and I have had the opportunity to be in the house. Each bedroom of the B&B is unique and exquisite. I just can't help but wonder how cold the place must be in the winter!!! It is truly a work of art, isn't it? Kudos on the pics :0)
Rick...thanks for commenting. It is a magnificent home to view from the outside. I hope to someday get a tour of the inside.
Randy, THANK YOU so much to you and everyone involved in designing, creating, preserving and sharing such a magnificent mansion!!! From the miners to the locksmith, WELL DONE Mr. Tate!!!